Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Gunshots amid unrest in remote NT town
Police are investigating after reports of armed people, disturbances and dangerous driving in a remote NT community culminated in two people being shot.
January 26, 2023
A man and a teenager have suffered gunshot wounds after reports of unrest in a remote Northern Territory Indigenous community.
Police were called to Peppimenarti, about 320km south of Darwin, late Wednesday following multiple reports of armed people, disturbances and dangerous driving.
Officers found a 15-year-old boy who had been shot in the shoulder, and a 21-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the arm, NT Police Commander Matt Hollamby told reporters on Thursday.
“There was a wide range of disturbances which culminated with someone with a firearm shooting one and probably two people,” he said.
“We understand it was a rifle (but we are) not sure of the calibre at this stage.”
Tactical response group officers were sent to the community to help local police restore order.
“At this point in time the community is calm,” Comm Hollamby said.
“Hopefully this is a one-off incident. There have been issues there in the past but not necessarily with firearms and this is very concerning.”
The teen was flown to Darwin for medical treatment at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
“My understanding is that he’s in a stable condition,” Mr Hollamby said.
The man was transported to a local health clinic before being released into the care of his family.
Investigations to find the alleged shooter continue.